Garrett joins The Best of LKN podcast to talk entrepreneurship, community, and how Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream grew from a pandemic-era experiment into one of Charlotte’s most distinctive food brands. He shares his early days in SEO and agency life, what pulled him into coworking with Hygge, and why proximity to other builders was always the secret sauce—being close enough to ask questions, share ideas, and solve problems in real time.

The conversation also digs into modern small-business marketing, especially the shift toward PR and relationships over shiny, overpromised tactics. Garrett makes the case for simple visibility: sending the email, sharing the update, and refusing to let good work quietly disappear. It’s a practical reminder that many businesses don’t struggle because they lack quality — but because they hesitate to talk about what they’re doing.

From there, the focus turns to Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream — how a shared love of ice cream became pop-ups, then a first shop at Camp North End, followed by Plaza Midwood, and now an expansion into Lake Norman. What sets the brand apart is intention: a joyful, experience-driven shop paired with ice cream that’s dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free across the board, without sacrificing texture or flavor. The goal isn’t an “alternative” — it’s ice cream anyone would choose.

For Lake Norman listeners, the headline is clear: Seemingly Overzealous is coming to Davidson, with a target opening in May near Main Street. Expect the same playful energy, a neighborhood-specific mural, and a space designed to feel local from day one.

Seemingly Overzealous

@seeminglyoverzealous

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.aidawerks.com

www.lknreal.com

Thanks to Safe harbor Peninsula Yacht Club for their support!

Support the show

Meet Mackenzie Murphy of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, NC. Learn about her personalized salon experience, entrepreneurship journey, and upcoming Lake Norman events.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Mackenzie Murphy, owner of Eternal Elegance Salon in Cornelius, to talk about entrepreneurship, intentional beauty services, and building a client experience that goes beyond hair.

Mackenzie shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped her work ethic and inspired her to launch her own salon in 2023. Rather than creating a rushed, high-volume environment, Eternal Elegance focuses on personalized consultations, face and color analysis, and a custom “prescription” approach designed to deliver healthy, long-lasting results.

The conversation explores:

• Mackenzie’s journey into cosmetology and early business ownership
• Why intentional client experience is the foundation of her salon
• The partnership with Groomed and the elevated salon environment
• Marketing, networking, and collaborating with local businesses
• Launching Divine Links — her luxury hair extension brand
• The importance of relationships and creating a safe, welcoming space
• Future plans to expand spa-style services and salon experiences

Mackenzie also talks about the personal side of entrepreneurship — balancing work with travel, fitness, and downtime — and why connection and care remain central to her vision.

Listeners receive a special bonus: mention this episode when booking your first appointment to receive a complimentary treatment.

And don;t miss the special event at Overflow! Thursday, 2/12 @ 4-8pm

Learn more or book a consultation:
Website: eternalelegance-salon.com
Instagram/TikTok: @eternal.elegance.salon
Phone: 704-928-7454

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Support the show

There's something special about meeting a builder who actually lives next door to his clients — and means it when he says, "We build it like we own it."

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Stephen Chuilli, founder of Lagniappe Homes, to talk about his family's stunning mountain-style residence on Schooner Drive in Cornelius, the story behind the company name (it's a New Orleans thing — and yes, everyone mispronounces it), and what's trending in custom home design heading into 2026.

What we cover:

• The story behind Stephen's personal home on Schooner Drive — built on a rare seven-acre property in Cornelius, complete with timber trusses from Blowing Rock, a wood-burning fireplace in the kitchen, and a pickleball court with a Saints logo (we'll allow it)
• How a 1928 home renovation in downtown Concord planted the seed for what's now a portfolio of nearly 200 projects over 11 years
• The gap Stephen saw in the building industry — and how his background in consulting and industrial engineering shaped Lagniappe’s client-first approach
• 2026 design trends worth watching: bold color saturation, personalized specialty spaces, walk-in residential refrigeration (yes, really), and the split between modern and cottage-style exteriors

Lagniappe Homes
19440 Zion Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 750-0540

lagniappe-homes.com

Video tour of a Lagniappe Home last year by Jeff:
https://youtu.be/B-73UGSiyx0?si=XEupj4TTxeXWDVLa

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lake Norman’s #1 Podcast & Email Newsletter

The Best of LKN
https://thebestoflkn.com/

Hosted by:

Jeff Hamm

www.lknreal.com

Support the show